Wednesday, March 11, 2009

CRANFORD, NJ - Less than three months after the local Zoning Board denied an application seeking height and setback variances to erect a 120-foot-tall cell tower on the Cranford Swim Club property, Verizon Wireless, has filed an appeal in superior court

The applicant hopes to overturn the board’s decision.

The lawsuit was filed Jan. 29. Within a few weeks, the Zoning Board filed a response denying the allegations. “We believe the board made a sound decision, and its decision should be upheld,” said Zoning Board Attorney David Weeks.

Board Chair Robert Hellenbrecht did not return repeated calls for comment. Verizon Attorney Gregory Meese could not be reached for comment. CSC is closed until summer and no representatives were available.

The application process has spanned more than a year, drawing significant opposition from Cranford and Westfield residents.

State and county officials also opposed the site as a location for a cell tower due to environmental concerns.

The board unanimously opposed the plan on the basis there might not be a gap in coverage and that the tower would have a negative affect on the surrounding parks and residences. “Cell towers can be located anywhere, but you can’t move a park,” Zoning Board member Jeffrey Pistol said.

Weeks said the appeal did not come as a surprise. “Cell tower companies typically appeal any decisions they lose before local boards,” Weeks said.

No date has been set for the proceedings to begin. “The court will have to make a determination,” zoning officer Robert Hudak said. “I’m guessing that’s the next step.”

Paul Greulich can be reached at 908-686-7700 ext. 121, or at editorial@thelocalsource.com.

Welcome to Residents A.C.T.

Welcome!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit this site. Residents A.C.T. was started in order to express opposition to the proposal of a 130' cell tower & adjoining equipment facility to be located on the property of the Cranford Swim Club. The Cranford Swim Club is located at 201 County Park Drive, Cranford NJ 07016. It is directly adjacent to Lenape Park and is located across the street from Nomahegan Park.